New Products - Performance - No. 7

Superchips, Inc. has unveiled the newest in their tuning arsenal. The Vivid Performance Programmer is a new in-cab device that is a two-part system. The first part is a Bluetooth enabled vehicle interface module, couple this with the new ARCHOS 4.3-inch internet tablet powered by the Android 2.2 operating system and you have the ultimate in tuning, real-time performance data, and entertainment. For more info on the Superchips Vivid, contact Superchips at superchips.com or (407) 585-7000.

Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC has expanded its R4Tech air suspension system kits to include more than 20 new applications for the 2010-2011 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 and the 2011 Ford F-250 and F-350. Designed to replace the factory leaf spring suspension, the R4Tech system delivers an improved ride at all times by utilizing the variable spring rate of the air spring to stiffen when the truck is loaded and soften when unloaded. For more information, contact Firestone at fsip.com or call (800) 888-0650.

Grant Products now has custom-styled replacement airbag steering wheels for the 2004-2008 fullsize Dodge Ram Pickup and the 2004-2010 Durango and Dakota models. Coming soon will be replacement airbag wheels for the 2009-2011 Dodge Ram. These new steering wheels feature a factory core, the original airbag and switches, and are approved for installation by Chrysler Corporation. Detailed installation instructions are included. For more information, Grant can be reached at (626) 305-0700 or online at grantproducts.com.

Dakota Digital has released a new line of instrumentation products, the VHX series. The first application in this series is for 1955-1959 Chevy trucks. The gauge cluster features lighted needles, backlit faces, and a full character message center for all displays. This application utilizes either a stock or aftermarket wiring harness, and either a stock, modified, or late-model drivetrain. Systems available with a blue or red display color and either a satin silver or carbon-fiberstyle face. More information can be obtained by calling (800) 593-9776 or visiting dakotadigital.com.

A.R.E. has expanded its line of truck cap accessories with the AluRack by Prime Design. An aluminum construction roof-mounted rack available from A.R.E. for full-size shortbed and longbed trucks. The AluRack attaches directly to factory tracks (sold separately) on your A.R.E. cap and will work with most aftermarket tracks as well. A full range of channels and mountings specific to each type of vehicle allows for a no-drill installation and gives owners flexibility to move the rack to the most suitable position. The AluRack also comes with optional locking ladder QuikClamp attachments to easily and safely secure ladders for transport. For more information, contact A.R.E. at 4are.com.

There aren’t too many things you can do to make Ford’s new SVT F-150 Raptor much better, but Airaid has done it. Their new intake kit for the 6.2L Raptor adds 12 horsepower and 14 lb-ft of torque. The kit comes with a filter made from their SynthaFlow composite material or their newest SynthaMax non-oiled filtration technology. Contact Airaid at (800) 498-6951 or at airaid.com.

Actron has come out with a new OBDII diagnostic scan tool. The new tool features CodeConnect technology, which is a comprehensive database containing more than three million verified solutions for trouble codes that cause the check engine light to come on. This new scan tool is compatible with 1996 and newer vehicles. Also featured in this tool is an ABS scan tool, which will identify the cause of the ABS light coming on. For more information on this tool, contact Actron at (800) 228-7667 or on the web at actron.com.

Auto Meter has released a new product to their Pro-Comp series, the Pro Street dash display. These displays feature black dials, low-glare, satin-black bezels and transflective LCD displays making them easy to read in bright sunlight and total darkness. The combination analog and digital display is housed in a lightweight carbon composite casing and sealed against dust and moisture. Auto Meter can be reached at (866) 248-6356 or on the web at autometer.com.

The big news at last year’s SEMA show was that GM’s E-ROD LS3 now carries an EO number, meaning it’s emissions-compliant for OBD-1 (1995) and earlier model vehicles. That’s a great engine for hot-rodders, but GM didn’t leave well-enough alone. Joining the LS3 are a 7.0L LS7, 6.2L 556hp LSA, and a 315hp 5.3L. All three engines are currently going through CARB approval and should all carry an OE number soon. The engines come with almost everything you need for an install except a fuel tank, pump, and lines, a check engine light, and intake ducting. For more information on these engines and other GM Performance products, go to gmperformanceparts.com.